Just five days ago, former AFL player Sam Naismith took to Instagram to share an emotional post.
Naismith – who had played at the Sydney Swans but was delisted at the end of 2020 – has endured more personal and physical heartache than most in his 30 years on the planet.
In his time at the Swans, he had three knee constructions, multiple setbacks and a stack of other injuries.
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He did not manage a single AFL game in 2018 and 2019, and only played 30 games from 2014 to 2020.
Combined with the horror run of devastating injuries, there has been heartbreaking family tragedy as well.
Naismith lost his father, to bowel cancer, when he was 19. And three years ago Naismith’s sister, Kristi, died after her battle with pancreatic cancer.
His mother, Debbie, is also ill and going through her own fight with cancer.
It’s been a brutal emotional journey for the 206cm ruck.
The death of Kristi still haunts him and only five days ago he wrote an emotional message on Instagram about his sister.
“Three long years. There’s nothing I loved more than get to my phone after a game and see a message from you saying how excited you were to see me playing,” he wrote.
“Even if I had a stinker. I miss you everyday, and the most when I take a moment and think about what you mean to me. Love you sis x 💜”
If anyone deserves a slice of good news, it’s Naismith.
Friends and former teammates were quick to send their wishes to Naismith after the message, with one wishing him luck for the AFL’s mid-season draft.
On Tuesday, it seemed more than likely that the feel-good story – no one could have possibly imagined two years ago – was about to be penned.
However, on Wednesday night, that thought had perished and Naismith’s incredible return to the AFL was again in tatters, despite the fact many had considered him a strong chance to be taken by Geelong in the draft.
Naismith was back on the AFL radar after an impressive season for Port Melbourne in the VFL.
He’s been averaging more than 40 hit-outs a game for Port Melbourne, and over 15 disposals.
Ahead of the draft, he believed he still had something to offer at the top level.
“I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong necessarily, but there’s been a lot of people telling me I should’ve been cut years ago and I should’ve given up,” he recently told Fox Sports.
“I’m trying to prove the people right that have stuck by me and supported me right. Also just for myself, because I know I can play footy and I want to enjoy it and I think I’ve got a lot to give.”
But the reigning premiers – whose No.1 ruck Rhys Stanley is on the sidelines and dealing with vision issues after fracturing his eye-socket – baulked, and opted for Woodville-West Torrens midfielder Mitch Hardie instead.
Once again football threw Naismith a cruel curveball.
Naismith is considered one of footy’s good guys and was a much-loved teammate at the Swans … but good fortune, seemingly, can’t get on his side.